HELLO 2014! It's Nice to Meet You!

So I had this wonderful post entitled, "Lessons and Revelations of 2013" that was supposed to be posted on New Years Eve. Unfortunately, Blogger was down, and I was NOT able to post it. Frustrated doesn't even come close to what I felt. The worse part of all, it wouldn't even save it as draft. I closed my laptop and said 'the hell with it'. Do I want to type it over again? Not really. That post took a lot of introspection, thought and contemplation to curate. I don't know why I didn't back it up. But oh well. Apparently it wasn't meant to be, so I'll do something different.

Moving on...So the 2014 is here. YAAAYYY!!!! *Throws glitter and confetti in the air while loudly blowing a party horn*

So glad it is. I was ready to hit the January 1, 2014 reset button. I'm grateful for all the things 2013 taught me, but it was rough. I laughed, I cried........and cried........and cried.........and cried some more. Actually I think I went through a short spell of acute depression. All I can say is journaling and praying is a powerful thing. Nevertheless, it's time to move on. It's been real.

As challenging as it was, many blessings and some wonderful moments happened last year:
I definitely became closer to God.
I bought a car.
I was able to move in with my dad.
I met and took a picture with one of favorite gospel artists, Brian Courtney Wilson.
And last but not least, the live performances I saw during NBA All-Star Weekend was bananas!

I am excited about what this year is going to bring! I'm excited about making new memories and making new acquaintances. I'm excited about taking new chances and discovering new opportunities (career and otherwise). More than anything, I am mostly excited about exploring my passions.

I'm open to whatever the universe brings in 2014. I'm not going to list all my '2014 Intentions/Goals' on the blog, I wrote them in my journal instead. There are some things I need to do differently, and then there are some things I need to just DO. Of course I'm praying for bigger and better things, but whatever happens, whatever adversity I'm presented with, I'll count it all joy...and I hope you all will do the same.

Peace & Blessings,

{What 2012 Has Brought Me}

The count down has begun. We are only two days away from 2013!

{Where did the months go??}

First and foremost, I am thankful for all the blessings and lessons that were in my life this year. I have no complaints or regrets, because I know I am a  stronger person from it all. I am taking the joy of the Lord and peace of mind with me into the next twelve months. 

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So I have been reflecting on all the things (that I can remember) that I have experienced this year and what it has taught me and brought me. So here goes, in no particular order...

~Met and connected with some wonderful, positive, like-minded bloggers.

~Full-time employment again.

~Attended some great events that allowed me to network & make new connections.

~Tons of laughs and good conversations. :-D

~Lots style inspiration in hair, beauty and fashion from other bloggers/vloggers. :)

~Taking fashion chances/wearing things I normally would not. (i.e. skirts and dresses, pearls, bright colors)

~Clarity on where I see myself in 10 years.

~Pinterest and Instagram (need I say more?)

~A stepped up tweet game...I just passed my 10,000 tweet *hits my dougie* 

~An appreciation for vintage fashion.

~The discovery of some funny, and cool YouTube web-series, with people that look like me.

~Learned (and still learning) on how to make my blog better

~Blessed with the opportunity to cover some amazing events for my blog

~Started a Tumblr and a Facebook page, "All About the Bag"

~The world of THRIFTING!

~The importance of staying true to my style and being original

~Winning some cool prizes in raffles and giveaways!

~Experiencing the holy spirit work in me, despite what I wanted

~The lesson of how fickle people can be. Family and friends aren't always very excited about, or eager to support your business ventures/endeavors. But I've accepted that truth for what it is.

~My own domain name for the blog (even though I haven't changed it yet :-P)

~A deeper appreciation of my natural, knotty, coily, curly hair

~An even better love for my body. Fat, flaws and all

~A better understanding of myself and who I am

~The lesson of not trying to "grow people up". Meeting them where they are, and allow people to do the work on their own.

~The realization that I can't beat myself up for the mistakes I make

~The importance of speaking things into existence.

~The lesson of truly LETTING GO. (still working on this one)

~An affordable townhome in the Heights area of town

~Patience

That is pretty much it....I'm sure there's more I can think of but I think that's enough. I could go on and on...don't want to bore you to death though lol.

As always, I'm looking forward to what the new year will bring, I am claiming that 2013 will be AWESOME! Yes. I do not care how cliche it sounds. I know whatever God has in store for me, is going to be great beyond measure. I believe it. I'm calling it by faith. 

Thank you for reading, subscribing & sharing your positive words, as I shared pieces of my life with you. I am truly grateful for your support.

 I pray that all of you reach your goals and be the best YOU, you can be in 2013! Here is to a healthy, prosperous and peaceful year! 

 {{Cheers}}